The Benefits of Telehealth in Patient Care Management Today

Posted on October 5, 2022October 15, 2022 by Joseph Gerard

Written By: Dominick L. Flarey, Ph.D., RN-BC, NEA-BC, FACHE

Telehealth is the use of digital information and communication technologies, such as computers and mobile devices, to access health care services remotely. It can be used to provide real-time clinical services to patients in remote locations, as well as to store and share medical data. Telehealth has the potential to improve access to care, quality of care, and patient outcomes.

In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the popularity of telehealth services. This trend is likely due to a variety of factors, including the increasing accessibility of high-speed Internet and mobile technologies, the rising cost of healthcare, and the growing demand for convenient and accessible healthcare services. Telehealth allows patients to consult with their healthcare providers from the comfort of their own homes, which can be a more convenient and affordable option than traditional in-person appointments.

Telehealth Care Benefits for Care Management

The use of telehealth in patient care is on the rise due to its many benefits. Telehealth allows patients to consult with their doctors from the comfort of their own homes, which is especially beneficial for those with chronic illnesses or mobility issues. It also saves time and money by eliminating the need for travel to and from appointments. In addition, telehealth can improve communication between patients and their care providers, leading to better overall health outcomes.

Despite its many advantages, there are some challenges associated with telehealth. For example, not all medical conditions can be effectively treated via teleconference. In addition, there may be technical difficulties that can impede the quality of the consultation. Nonetheless, telehealth is a promising solution that can improve patient care in a number of ways.

There are many benefits to telehealth, including increased access to care, improved patient outcomes, and cost savings. Telehealth can improve access to care by providing care to patients in rural or underserved areas. Additionally, telehealth can improve patient outcomes by providing timely and convenient care. Finally, telehealth can save money by reducing the need for travel for appointments and reducing the length of hospital stays.

Ease of Access to Health Care Management

The use of telehealth has improved access to care for patients by providing them with more convenient and affordable options. Telehealth allows patients to connect with their care providers from any location, which can be especially helpful for those who live in rural areas or who have difficulty accessing transportation. In addition, telehealth services are often less expensive than traditional in-person visits, which can make them more affordable for patients.

Telehealth is the use of digital information and telecommunications technologies to support long-distance clinical health care and patient care. By using telehealth, medical providers can more easily and conveniently provide care to patients who may not be able to come into the office for an appointment. This is especially beneficial for patients who live in rural areas or who have difficulty traveling. Additionally, telehealth can be used to provide follow-up care or consultations, which can help improve patient outcomes.

Compliance to Health Care Management

The increased comfort for patients using telehealth is due to the ability to consult with a medical professional from the comfort of their own home. This reduces stress and anxiety related to seeking medical care in-person, which can be particularly beneficial for those with chronic conditions or mental health concerns. In addition, telehealth appointments are typically shorter than in-person visits, which can also contribute to patients’ increased comfort levels.

There is evidence to suggest that the use of telehealth can help to reduce the number of missed appointments among patients. This is likely due to the fact that telehealth can help to improve communication between patients and their care providers, and can also provide patients with greater flexibility in terms of when and how they receive care.

The ease of patient care for patients who live far away from health care centers of providers has greatly increased due to the implementation of telehealth services. Through the use of video conferencing, patients are able to consult with their doctors or specialists from the comfort of their own homes. This increases accessibility to medical care and decreases the need for travel, which can be difficult for those with chronic health conditions.

Telehealth also allows for more timely appointments and shorter waiting times. This is beneficial for both the patient and the provider, as it reduces the overall time spent on each case. In addition, telehealth appointments can be scheduled outside of normal working hours, making it easier for patients who have difficulty taking time off work or school. Overall, telehealth has had a positive impact on patient care by increasing access to medical services and reducing wait times.

Cost Reduction and Improved Outcomes

The use of telehealth services can help reduce the overall costs for patients. This is due to the fact that telehealth services can help to improve communication between patients and their healthcare providers. In addition, telehealth services can also help to improve access to care for patients. By using telehealth services, patients can avoid having to travel to see their healthcare provider. This can help to save time and money for patients.

The use of telehealth can result in improved patient outcomes. This is because telehealth provides patients with access to care that they would otherwise not have. Additionally, telehealth can help to improve communication between patients and providers, and can provide patients with education and support.

Case Management by Telehealth

Telehealth has been shown to be an effective means of providing case management services, particularly for patients who live in rural or underserved areas. Certified case managers can provide a wide range of services via telehealth, including assessment, care planning, coordination, and advocacy. This type of care delivery can help to ensure that patients receive the comprehensive care they need, while also reducing travel time and costs associated with traditional in-person visits.

The use of technology in case management for in home care telehealth by nurse case managers is essential to providing quality care. Technology allows nurse case managers to keep track of their patients’ progress, schedule appointments, and communicate with other members of the healthcare team. In addition, technology can help nurse case managers educate their patients about their condition and treatment options.

The use of video conferencing by nurse case managers allows for real-time interaction with patients and families, which can be beneficial in a number of ways. First, it enables the nurse to build rapport and trust with the patient, which is essential for providing effective care. Additionally, it allows the nurse to gather information about the patient’s condition and needs in a way that is more efficient and convenient than traditional in-person visits.

Nurse case managers are using innovative technologies today to communicate with other team members. These technologies include electronic medical records, computerized provider order entry systems, and electronic prescribing systems. By using these technologies, nurse case managers can more effectively coordinate care for their patients and realize the benefits of telehealth in practice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, telehealth is a valuable tool that can improve patient care in a number of ways. By providing patients with convenient access to care, telehealth can help to improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. In addition, telehealth can also help to increase patient satisfaction by providing them with more control over their own care.

Most all specialty practice in health care today are using telehealth in care delivery. This is seen even more frequently in the specialty practice of Case Management by professional Registered Nurses and professional Licensed Social Workers. The advent of more expanded technologies in patient care has allowed the practice of case management to significantly expand in recent years bringing significant benefits of telehealth to patients and to the health care team. The American Academy of Case Management offers a comprehensive continuing education and case management certification program for those who are practicing health care professionals. Professionals have a period of two years in which to complete the program but may accelerate if they wish. To learn more about the program, you may access here.

Additional Readings

Telehealth Benefits and Barriers. S. Garjarawala, N. Pelkowski. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners. Vol 17, Issue 2: 2021. Access here

Increasing Access to Care: telehealth during Covid-19. D. Hoffman. Journal of Law and the Biosciences. Vol 7, Issue 1: 2020. Access here

Strategies for Evaluating Telehealth. J. Chuo, et.al. Pediatrics. Vol. 146. Issue 5: 2020. Access here

On-Demand Synchronous Audio Video Telemedicine Visits are Cost Effective. G. Nord, et.al. The American Journal of Emergency Medicine. Vol 37. Issue 5: 2019. Access here

Case Management In- Home Care Technology Offers Patients Comprehensive Support

Posted on October 3, 2022October 3, 2022 by Joseph Gerard

Written by: Dominick L. Flarey, Ph.D, RN-BC, NEA-BC, FACHE

As the population of older adults continues to grow, so does the demand for home care services. Case management is a critical component of home care, as it helps to ensure that patients receive the coordinated care they need to improve their health outcomes.

Case managers work with patients and their families to develop a care plan that meets their specific needs. They also coordinate home care with other providers, such as home health aides, nurses, and doctors. This coordinated approach ensures that patients receive the best possible care. The goal of home care case management is to provide high-quality, cost-effective care that is in the best interest of the patient and their family.

Monitoring patients’ progress is an important part of case management in home care. By tracking patients’ health status and response to treatment, case managers can identify potential problems early on and take steps to address them.

Regular monitoring also allows case managers to evaluate the effectiveness of care plans and make necessary adjustments. This is especially important in home care, where patients may have complex needs and be receiving care from multiple providers. By closely monitoring their patients’ progress, home care case managers can play a vital role in ensuring that they receive the high-quality, coordinated care they need to improve their health outcomes.

Types of Technology

Over the past decade, information and wireless technology companies, senior long-term care entities and colleges and universities have developed and offer a line of products aimed at supporting professional home health care services and family caregiving.

Information technology applications and programs provide accounting and billing services and medical recordkeeping for home health care providers and biometrics, emergency phone calls, live customer services, medical alerts for patients and social activities coordination for seniors and their caregiving families.

Home health care is a rapidly growing industry, and technology plays an important role in providing care for patients. There are many different types of technology available to help home health care providers, including software that helps with scheduling and accounting, communication tools, and medical devices. Technology can help home health care providers provide better care for their patients, and it can also help patients stay connected to their loved ones and receive the support they need.

One of the most important advances in patient care technology is the ability to monitor heart function at home. This can be done through wearable devices that track heart rate and rhythm, or by using devices that measure electrical activity in the heart (ECG). These devices can help detect arrhythmias or other problems with heart function early on, before they become serious.

The home care technology market is growing rapidly as the demand for patient support services increases. Billing, medical records, food service ordering, and patient communications are all areas where home care technology can play a role.

Billing systems that allow patients to pay their bills online or through a mobile app are becoming more popular. Medical records systems that give patients access to their health information from a secure website or app are also gaining popularity. Food service ordering systems that allow patients to order their meals from a mobile app or website are becoming more common. And patient communication systems that allow patients to stay in touch with their care team via text, email, or video chat are becoming more prevalent.

According to the FCC, “an effective emergency alert system (EAS) can save lives and property by providing timely and accurate information about an impending hazard.” Emergency medical alert devices and systems are life-saving tools that can be used in the event of a medical emergency. These devices can be worn as a pendant or bracelet, and they can be connected to your home’s landline or cellular phone.

When activated, these devices will send a signal to the monitoring center, which will then dispatch emergency medical services (EMS). The monitoring center will also contact your loved ones or designated caregivers to let them know that you have requested help.

As a certified case manager, you are responsible for ensuring that your patients receive the best possible care. To do this, you must be well-informed about the technology used in home care today. Patient care technology has come a long way in recent years, and it is constantly evolving. As a case manager, it is your responsibility to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments. This will help you make sure that your patients are getting the best possible care.

Hospital admissions are costly and stressful for both patients and their families. By staying up-to-date on the latest patient care technology, you can help reduce hospital admissions and re-admissions. This will improve the overall quality of care for your patients and save money for patients and the health care system.

Some Companies Providing Advanced Technologies

The following companies, applications and programs have been touted by researchers and experts in the senior care industry and government policymakers and lawmakers:

Acumen–In the last 23 years, this Mesa, Ariz.-based company provides financial management services for senior short-term care and long-term care facilities, states, counties and managed care organizations nationally, including billing, enrollment, and payment processing, reporting and training.

AT & T and Numera Libris–Both companies collaborate to blend wireless technology by AT & T with traditional emergency response systems by Numera to form comprehensive medical support for seniors with chronic conditions or transitioning from hospital care to skilled nursing or home health care. The result is meant to address personal safety and home health management. Called a “personal health gateway,” the system combines mobile emergency response, two-way voice, fall detection and location tracking.

Critical Signal Technologies (CST)–This Pittsfield, Mass. and Farmington Hills, Mich. Company provides a suite of personal emergency and medical monitoring services that assist patients with dizziness, falling, mobility issues, muscle weakness and vision problems. CST provides adaptive switches for quadriplegia, care transition and vital sign monitoring, cellular upgrades, coaching, door/window contacts, lock box, medication management, motion detector, multi-lingual response with fall down detection, multi-tenant coverage, pillow switch to summon help, reminder messaging, sensor mats, smoke or carbon monoxide alarm, standard personal response system, strobe lights and wall communicators.

CASOA–CASOA, which stands for The Community Assessment Survey for Older Adults, is a research survey program specializing in needs and preferences assessments of seniors offered by the National Research Center, Inc., a national survey research and evaluation firm based in Boulder, Colo. The program is meant to assist local governments, area agencies on aging, homeowners associations, senior short-term care and long-term care facilities and service providers to develop their social and medical programs for seniors.

Hamilton CapTel–This is a free, nationwide, telephone captioning service meant to make phone calls simple, clear and accessible for individuals with hearing loss. The company supplies phones with the captioning service in an app product that is compatible with and can be used with PCs, MacBook’s, iPhone, Android, BlackBerry smartphones, iPad and Android tablets.

iHealthHome–The Seattle-based company provides in-home monitoring and communications systems to enable care coordinators, family caregivers, home health care agencies, and; senior long-term and short-care facilities, including assisted living, congregate care and nursing homes. Services include assessments, biometrics, care management, communication between seniors and their caregiving families, in-home concierge system to order food and medicine by computer, medication management, messages for caregiver tasks, motion activity monitoring for safety, questionnaires, remote supervision, time and attendance tracking and video visits.

Intel-GE Care Innovations–The resulting personal response system is the result of a partnership between Intel, the computer chip company, and General Electric, the electrical services and government defense contractor. The suite includes a personal help button, emergency assistance, home base, medical alerts and 24-hour live response operators.

Panasonic HomeTeam–Panasonic, based in Newark, N.J., and Osaka, Japan, has developed an online service called HomeTeam meant to serve homebound seniors and their family caregivers that uses a video chat app for a tablet, laptop and computer to access interactive books such as Curious George and games such as chess and checkers with video calling. The app can be downloaded by grandparents and their grandchildren from the Apple App Store or Google Play and can be used with Androids or iPads. The company works with publishers such as Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing company, Disney and game developers to maintain children’s games and games on the company website.

SilverTreeHealth–This Chandler, Ariz.-based company provides integrated electronic health reporting and automated medical billing services that includes coding experts, software and efficiency controls. Service includes user-friendly interface, a boost of HIPAA compliance for senior long-term care facilities and other service providers; claim scrubbing; electronic resubmission of claims; payroll cost reductions; missed visit tracking; staff embezzlement reduction; accounting program integration; e-Eligibility; free live support; live, free upgrades; hourly backups; secure direct payments to bank accounts; real-time integration with thousands of insurance carriers; complete practice visibility; claims management tools; insurance practice profiling; accurate claim coding and tracking of contracted rates; patient scoring to determine likelihood to pay; scheduling of integration with billing processes; ePrescribe and eClaims; integrated credit card processing; experienced billing staff, and; weekly reviews of practice efficiencies.

Whether they specialize in billing, biometrics, emergency alerts, fall prevention, patient care monitoring, family ties or medical records management, these aforementioned products are meant to contribute to a comprehensive suite of solutions for families who cannot fulfill certain necessary tasks in caring for seniors and need outside technical intervention.

Summary

In recent years, nurse case managers have been increasingly managing in-home patients using care technology within more sophisticated health care delivery systems. This shift has been driven by a number of factors, including the increasing prevalence of chronic conditions, the aging population, and the rise of consumer-driven health care.

Care technology has played a major role in enabling nurse case managers to more effectively manage in-home patients. By providing real-time data on patients’ condition and allowing for two-way communication between patient and provider, care technology has helped to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction while reducing costs.

As health care delivery systems continue to evolve, it is likely that nurse case managers will play an even greater role in managing in-home patients using care technology. This trend represents a major opportunity for nurses to impact the quality and cost of health care delivery.

Case Management Certification

Are you a registered nurse or a health care professional interested in pursuing a career in Case Management? The American Academy of Case Management offers a full curriculum of continuing education courses in case management as well as a national Certification Program. To find out more about our programs, access here.

Additional Resources:

Why Home Healthcare Needs More Technology and Training. Jessica Longly. HealthTech. October 29, 2020. Access here

From Facility to Home: How Health Care Could Shift by 2025. Oleg Bestsennyy, et.al. McKinsey & Company. February 1, 2022. Access here

Does Adult ADHD Lead to Alcoholism or Drug Use?

Posted on September 15, 2022September 15, 2022 by Joseph Gerard

Written by Fay Smith

ADHD is a common diagnosis for kids who struggle in school, but what happens when kids grow up and struggle in their offices, communities, and relationships?

Adults with ADHD have difficult challenges, and many turn to drugs and alcohol to cope.

In this article, we’ll look at how and why that is.

How Adults Cope with ADHD

ADHD presents many challenges for adults, but one of the biggest is regularly lacking dopamine.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is largely responsible for the pleasure that you feel when you accomplish something. A sense of accomplishment boosts you and makes it easier to take on your next tasks. For people with ADHD, this doesn’t happen the same way.

Adults with ADHD have a different reward system than neurotypical adults. A normal work routine, including meetings, might be somewhat boring for an office manager who is neurotypical, but it could send someone with ADHD into a spiral.

Without feeling like they are accomplishing anything important to them, and receiving the dopamine boost that goes along with that, it becomes increasingly hard to concentrate.

Having ADHD and needing to do things you don’t want to do and aren’t interested in can be extremely difficult, and even painful.

It’s a process of trying to force your brain to act in ways it doesn’t want to. The result is usually a drop in neurotransmitters and the onset of depression. Up to 53% of people with ADHD also struggle with depression.

There are legal substances that can provide a lot of help to adults with ADHD. Coffee can help to stimulate the brain to produce more neurotransmitters, and legal CBD can help to relax the nervous system and provide the restful sleep that adults with ADHD need to maintain good brain health. Know more about it here.

However, there are many adults with ADHD who turn to alcohol and drugs – not just to cope with the pain of having ADHD as an adult in a world designed for neurotypical people, but to help manage an unruly brain that won’t seem to follow directions.

Why do ADHD Adults Turn to Drugs and Alcohol?

It’s important to note that every adult with ADHD was once a child with ADHD, and it is typically in pre-adolescence or adolescence when substance abuse problems or tendencies first arise.

An 8-year longitudinal study found that at the age of 14.9, 40% of ADHD subjects and only 22% of control subjects had used alcohol (Barkley et al. 1990). This suggests that alcohol and other drugs are more appealing to people with ADHD in early adolescence.

A different study found that at age 25, alcohol use was roughly equal between ADHD adults and control groups, but we know that early and intense alcohol use is a risk factor for later alcohol and drug problems.

Growing up is when most people start to face increasing demands on their time and attention, which is also when young adults with ADHD begin to face significant struggles and shoulder the shame that comes from not being able to act or be like everyone else.

ADHD adults use drugs to cope, practically and emotionally.

In a practical sense, drugs and alcohol change the brain and produce the mental states that people with ADHD are looking for. When you are unable to feel happy or concentrate, a cup of coffee can help. So can other drugs. When you can’t seem to calm down or regulate your energy or emotions, alcohol can help. So can other drugs.

Neurotypical adults might be able to take a deep breath and restore calm and focus, but this just doesn’t happen for ADHD adults, who struggle to regulate themselves.

On an emotional level, it is easy to blame yourself for your problems as someone with ADHD. An inability to focus can be mistaken as a lack of interest or care. Disinterest in boring and unrewarding tasks can come across as laziness.

Adults with ADHD have to deal with a disabling inability to focus, as well as being blamed personally for that inability to focus.

In a culture that values constant productivity and readiness, adults with ADHD often struggle to regulate their attention and emotions and use drugs or alcohol as tools to cope.

Recovery for Adults with ADHD and Drug Problems

Although alcohol and other drugs might relieve temporary symptoms of ADHD, they invariably make life worse.

This is not just for all of the reasons that you’re familiar with – the cost, the health impacts, the social impacts, etc – but also because alcohol and most other drugs are harmful to the brain and end up making symptoms worse in the long run.

A healthy brain releases more neurotransmitters that help focus and attention. An unhealthy brain doesn’t regulate itself well. When you start messing with your brain’s reward system, it makes it even harder to set things right.

If you or someone you know is an adult with ADHD and a drug or alcohol problem, find a treatment solution that also addresses the impacts of ADHD. True recovery requires solutions to multiple problems.

Author Bio: Fay Smith

Fay Smith worked in communications for five years before settling down with her husband. She’s now a mother of two young children and takes care of three lovable Pomeranians. Fay Smith is a regular contributor on various health and wellness sites. She also works as a freelance writer and researcher on wellness topics, such as alternative treatments and CBD.

Please also review AIHCP’s Attention Deficit Consulting certificate program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals. The program in online and independent study and open to qualified professionals.

5 Ways to Regulate your Sleep Schedule

Posted on February 28, 2022 by Joseph Gerard

5 Ways to Regulate your Sleep Schedule

Written by McKenzie Jones

Your whole life will suffer if you are not getting the right amount of sleep each night. Disrupted sleep schedules can affect both your physical health and your mental and emotional well-being. This is why it is so important to address any potential sleep disruptions and fix the problem before it becomes a serious issue. Here are five ways that you can regulate your sleep schedule so that you can get the rest that you need.

Promote Healthy Circadian Rhythm

Your sleep and wake cycles are controlled by the body’s natural circadian rhythm. Without a well-functioning circadian rhythm, your body does not know when it is time to sleep and when it is time to be alert.

There are a number of things that you can do to promote a healthy circadian rhythm. Exposing your body to natural light when you wake up sends the signal to your brain that it is time to get energized. It is also a good idea to avoid taking naps. If you must take a daytime snooze, make it quick and do it early in the afternoon rather than later in the day. Being diligent about exercising regularly can also help to support your body’s internal clock so that it functions at optimal levels.

Implement a Regular Bedtime Routine

You will be able to fall asleep more quickly if you train your body by implementing a regular bedtime routine. Your personal needs and preferences will dictate your routine. Perhaps you want to start the process with a relaxing bath or a warm mug of herbal tea? Other people find success in dimming the lights and reading for a bit before trying to fall asleep.

Another good way to signal to your body that it is time to go to bed is to engage in a consistent skincare routine before turning in for the night. Nourishing your skin with nutrients and hydration should be a part of your nightly routine, prepping your body and your mind for a good night of sleep. The right products from Happy Healthy You will also leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed and ready to welcome a night of quality sleep.

Minimize Blue Light

Your smartphone or tablet habit may be hindering your ability to get the rest that you need. Smartphones, tablets, and computer screens all emit blue light. This light can negatively affect circadian timing.

In order to prevent this from happening, you should avoid blue light the hour or two before bedtime. Rather than reaching for your phone before closing your eyes, try reading a book instead. You should also be intentional about limiting the amount of artificial light around you in the evening hours.

Create a Comfortable Sleep Environment

You cannot expect to get a restful night of sleep if you do not have a comfortable sleeping environment. Taking active steps to make this as relaxing as possible can have a profound effect on the quality of sleep that you enjoy.

In addition to cozy bedding and a mattress suited for your needs, you also need to be mindful of sleep and light pollution. You may find that you sleep better if you invest in a good pair of blackout shades. A white noise machine can be instrumental in blocking out extraneous noise so that you sleep more soundly. Experiment with a few different tools to find what works best for you in your quest to sleep better.

Limit Alcohol and Caffeine

What you drink in the hours before bed may also impact how quickly you fall asleep and if you are able to stay that way through the night. While you may fall asleep more quickly after a night of indulging in alcoholic drinks, the booze is also more likely to disrupt your rest and wake you up in the middle of the night.

Too much caffeine in the hours before bed can make you too wired to fall asleep. Reducing your consumption of both alcohol and caffeine starting in the late afternoon hours can prove beneficial in supporting healthy sleep patterns.

These five tips are all great ideas to help you to regulate your sleep schedule so that you wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day ahead.

The American Institute of Health Care Professionals offers a full continuing education program leading to Certification as a Health Care Life Coach, you may preview our program by accessing this link.

5 Reasons a Mammogram is Important for Women’s Health

Posted on February 4, 2022 by Joseph Gerard

Written by McKenzie Jones

What are Mammograms?

During your annual physical with the doctor, you may learn that it could be advantageous to have a mammogram. A mammogram is a simple medical procedure that uses low-energy x-rays to screen a human breast to detect potentially cancerous masses. In the US, an annual mammogram is the gold star procedure for early detection and is recommended as an annual procedure to anyone past the age of 40. Why is having a regular mammogram essential to women’s health? Read on to learn 5 reasons you should quit waiting around and schedule your annual exam today.

1. Early Detection Is Key

Cancer is a scary subject. However, if you are armed with facts and your own medical and testing data, you will be better prepared to face the road ahead. When you find cancer in its earlier stages, you have more treatment options available to you and a higher rate of long-term survival. Mammograms can “find” breast cancer roughly 5 years before you can feel it, which gives you more time to figure out your plan. The introduction of 3D mammography has also broadened the scope and abilities of cancer detection. Not only do 3D scans produce fewer false positives, but they have also improved detection rates by roughly 50%.

2. Mammograms are Smarter Than Fingertips

Women are encouraged to perform self-breast exams (SBEs) monthly for several reasons. Breasts are made up of uniquely irregular tissues and fats, and it’s good to get familiar with your breasts, chest, and armpit areas. This way, with time, you will be better equipped to feel if something is “off” or changing within your own body. Consider adding an SBE during your monthly menstruation to keep it recurring and regular. That being said, self-detection results in roughly 18-25% of breast cancer diagnoses, while mammograms can detect breast cancer in 87% of their screenees. Using multiple early-detection methods is a smart way to stay informed about your health.

3. Mammograms Have a Proven Track Record

Since 1990, an overall increase in regular mammograms in the US has helped reduce women’s breast cancer deaths by 30%. What a statistic! There is a direct connection between higher mammogram numbers and lower breast cancer-related fatalities. The process has also been streamlined due to successful detection rates. It is quite straightforward to get a mammogram referral from your primary care physician or an obgyn near me. The sooner you schedule and complete your mammogram, the better you’ll feel.

4. It’s Not Always Genetic

Yes, it is a fact that if you gave a genetic link to breast cancer, you have a higher likelihood of breast cancer. It’s super important that mammograms are a regular part of your life if you have a direct family member that developed breast cancer, so don’t play around or delay. However, it is also true that 75-85% of people diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history or known risk factors. Therefore, everyone must get regularly screened. Simply add it to the list of questions you have for your doctor during your annual physical, and they will be able to guide you in the right direction.

5. Time is of the Essence

Unfortunately, your risk factors increase and your long-term survival rates tend to decrease as you age. This is particularly noticeable after age 40 and continues as you get older. The age for an annual mammogram used to be set at 50, but studies have shown time and time again that finding out earlier than 50 affects your survival rates and complication risks. Since the recommendation has been lowered to 40 years, the number of breast cancer-related deaths has decreased.

Final Considerations…

One last thing to note: If you’re scared about scheduling a mammogram for any reason, consider an honest approach with your primary care physician. Explain your feelings, and allow them to reassure you. That is a completely normal reaction to have for something as daunting as cancer. Know that getting the facts will be better for your overall peace of mind. Schedule an OB appointment at your earliest convenience, and just check it off your list once and for all.

How to Avoid Long Term Spine Problems

Posted on February 3, 2022February 4, 2022 by Joseph Gerard

Written by McKenzie Jones

Even though you do not pay much attention to it, your spine forms an integral part of your body. Thanks to it, you can sit upright, walk and even move your entire body. If you have never had backache before then, you might never realize how important this part of your body is. However, there are various things you can do to ensure that your spine stays healthy.

Pay Attention to Your Posture

One of the leading causes of spinal problems has to be your posture. If you sit or stand wrongly, then your spine will bend in that direction. The first thing you need to do is stand on a wall with your heels firmly on the ground. If you cannot pass your hand through the small of your back, you need to work on your posture. Prolonged poor posture will make the spine bend awkwardly, and that will cause you to have back issues.

Sit Upright

You probably spend most of your time sitting in a chair, and if your posture is wrong, then there is a huge chance you might start experiencing back pain. Just like you did with the standing posture, ensure that you sit upright in the chair. Do not slouch forward or bend so back up into the chair. Doing that might feel comfortable at first, but it will make your spine deform, and you might never sit properly again. The thing with your spine is, you might be damaging it without even knowing. By the time you realize, the damage might be too much that it is irreparable.

Monitor Your Weight

The one thing that might be straining your spine is your weight. If you realize that your back keeps hurting no matter what you do, you might want to think about looking at your weight and know how it is progressing. You might realize that the main reason your back has issues is you have gained so much weight serially around the mid-section that you can no longer walk around with a straight posture. For this reason, it makes sense if you took your time and worked on losing weight. You can start out simple with dieting then move on to exercise. No matter what you do, ensure that you are working on yourself and your body.

See a Doctor

Many times when your spine has an issue, there will be tell-tale signs. You might notice that your back hurts way more than it should, even if you are not straining. In such a scenario, talking to a spine specialist will help you identify the issue, and you can deal with it as it happens. It beats having to wait for the entire condition to get worse and have you confined to a hospital bed. Many people fear going to the doctor because they do not want to know the issue. However, it is recommended that you see a doctor sooner rather than later. It will help you discover any condition you might have and treat it before it gets worse.

Sleep Well

Whenever you think about sleeping, the only thing that runs through your mind is getting in enough hours of sleep. However, your sleeping posture might be the reason why you are having backaches. If you realize that you wake up with body aches, chances are you are not sleeping properly. The first thing you need to do is get an orthopedic mattress. It will ensure that your back does not bend, and your spine will get aligned better when you sleep. There are several mattresses in the market that provide that support, so you should check them out. Additionally, it would help if you got a good pillow. A comfortable pillow will ensure that your neck and head are well aligned as you sleep. If you have any area on your spine that needs support, you can get a body pillow to ensure you sleep better and reduce the risk of damage to your spine.

Taking care of your spine is easier than trying to get it fixed. With the tips above, you get to ensure that you stay healthy and your spine will not have any problems that can be incapacitating.

What is a Rhizotomy?

Posted on January 26, 2022January 26, 2022 by Joseph Gerard

Nervous System

Written by McKenzie Jones

Rhizotomy is a slightly obstructive surgical procedure to eliminate agitation from a painful nerve. It destroys the various nerve fibers that convey pain waves to the brain. The nerve fibers can be killed by burning them with an electrical current or destroying them with a surgical device. Rhizotomy immediately alleviates pain and can last for many years until the nerve heals and resumes normal functioning. Rhizotomy is also known as neurotomy or ablation, killing or eliminating cells.

Illnesses Managed by a Rhizotomy

Rhizotomy is utilized in treating various forms of pain and unusual nerve activities like:

Spasticity- the unusual tightening of your muscles, is managed by rhizotomy. A selective dorsal rhizotomy is suitable for spasticity resulting from cerebral palsy. It leads to the enhancement of communication between the muscles and the spine.

Joint pains such as the knee and the hip resulting from arthritis
Neck and back pain caused by herniated discs, arthritis, spinal stenosis, and various degenerative spine illnesses. The procedure performed in such conditions is termed facet rhizotomy since it invades the spine’s facet joints.
Various diseases attacking the peripheral nerves
Trigeminal neuralgia, which is facial pain caused by trigeminal nerve irritability, is also managed by rhizotomy.

Recovery After Rhizotomy

Rhizotomy is a fast procedure that only takes a short period- however, you will take some time in the recovery room at the surgical center due to the anesthesia used. You will start functioning normally after this based on your response to anesthesia, such as going to work or driving only after two days. You may also experience swelling, pain, or bruising in the area of surgery.

Forms of Rhizotomy

Various forms of rhizotomy comprise killing the fibers in a nerve that convey pain signals. Based on where the nerve is situated, rhizomes can be carried out using local or general anesthesia and typically utilize fluoroscopy, x-ray, or image-controlled technique to ascertain precision.

Radiofrequency Rhizotomy

Radiofrequency rhizotomy is also referred to as ablation, which utilizes a radiofrequency current to destroy the fibers. It is usually applied in patients who experience recurrent pain and require help dealing with scar tissue.

Glycerol/glycerine Rhizotomy

Here, the surgeon utilizes a needle to put a small number of chemicals to the base of the impacted nerve. The chemical eliminates the nerve fibers within the nerve between 45 to 60 minutes.

Endoscopic Rhizotomy

In this type of rhizotomy, the surgeon utilizes a camera gadget known as an endoscope to determine the impacted nerves and destroy their fibers. The endoscope is positioned through a tiny opening through various tubes known as tubular retractor structures. It enables the surgeon to reach the nerve without interfering with the healthy tissues and organs. This process is also termed a directly visualized rhizotomy.

The Effectiveness of Rhizotomy

The success rate of rhizotomy is not 100%, just like the various procedures. A certain number of patients may slightly or not benefit from rhizotomy ultimately. Other individuals who experience pain alleviation from the process may come back after the regrowth of the nerve. However, such cases only affect a small number of patients. During your consultation with a rhizotomy specialist, it is significant to request all the details to decide your procedure. The majority of patients that experience rhizotomy get long-lasting pain alleviation.

Risks Associated With Rhizotomy

The side effects of rhizotomy are based on the type of nerve being worked on or the procedure being performed.

Radiofrequency rhizotomy contains higher chances of causing numbness than the chemical procedure.
The side effects of glycerol rhizotomy include: vomiting, infection, bleeding, nausea and a slight possibility of experiencing numbness and other anesthesia-related issues.

If you are experiencing back pain, you need to understand facet joints, which are underdiagnosed sources of pain. Most patients usually spend a lot of time managing the pain without success. It is due to the misdiagnosis of the leading cause of such pain. Rhizotomy, therefore, addresses topics such as controlling the pain resulting from such facet joint pain, which is effective. The first step in determining whether rhizotomy is suitable for you is steroid pain injections. If they succeed in minimizing the pain by at least 80% or higher, then rhizotomy is ideal for you. It relieves your pain, enabling you to finally feel better.

Meeting The Challenges Posed By Moving Away For Work

Posted on December 17, 2021 by Joseph Gerard

By Lucy Peters

Most medical professionals are enduring one of the most difficult and challenging periods of their career. Now, many are moving to other jobs, in new cities, on the back of their work, in search of better pay and work/life balance. Indeed, CNBC has highlighted huge wage growth and upheaval from multiple sectors ranging from healthcare assistants to surgeons. For medical professionals making the move, there’s a wide range of factors to consider, from the amenities and security of a new town to crucial factors, such as the ability of a young family to settle on new shores.

Making the switch

Upheaval will impact every member of the family but children are often disproportionately impacted. According to a study analyzed by Psychology Today, relocating with a young family can, if managed improperly, create serious long-term problems that impact the development of kids well into adulthood. The reasons why are fairly clear – the emotional and physical ties that anyone makes with their community and surroundings is one that has a big impact on who that person becomes later in life. Depriving them of it, without explanation, can be harmful. The key is, of course, communication. Families moving to a new city should first make it absolutely clear just what is involved with the move, and why it’s happening. To further develop the message, provide opportunities to retain ties with the home community. That’s easy in the modern day, with the help of communications tools.

Developing new roots

Don’t treat a new area as simply somewhere to stay. A healthy psychological state relies on community; one NAMI blog asserts that community helps to develop a sense of belonging, purpose, and support, all crucial factors when putting roots down in a new city. Meet neighbors, join local events and traditions, and make your out-of-work life as important as making a good impression in your new job.

A work-life balance

Moving to a new job is a chance to impress. As a result, many workers will work long hours, go the extra mile, and do everything in their power to make a good impression on a new boss and set of co-workers. Unfortunately, that attitude can be dangerous. A report by the BBC found that western workers now operate, on average, 54 hours a week – and that this can be detrimental to long-term health. It’s clear that making a good impression can be beneficial to long-term professional development and job satisfaction, but it cannot come at the sacrifice of a work-life balance. Back yourself by setting boundaries early and only taking on what you can sustainably support. You will thank yourself in the long run.

Your family, too, will thank you. Moving to a new community is something that often benefits the breadwinner in the family, but it needs to be looked at through the prism of family. Look for solutions that benefit everyone, not just the newly employed.

Please also review AIHCP’s Certification Programs and see if it matches your academic and professional goals. The program in online and independent study and open to qualified professionals.

Certified Case Manager Education: What is Population Health?

Posted on December 2, 2021December 3, 2021 by Joseph Gerard

Population Health Management

Today’s Certified Case Manager is becoming more involved in assessing and working with information on population health. Population health looks at the data of an entire group instead of an individual patient and considers not only the general state of health of the population but typical outcomes as well. “Population health is defined as the health outcomes of a group of individuals, including the distribution of such outcomes within the group.” (1)

The term “population health” is a broad one and the group examined can be defined in a variety of ways; your chosen population could be a specific town or city, race or even age group. Viewing data across a broad population can help determine the best practices of care for that particular group and allow for that group’s needs to be anticipated and met. A definition of population health is: “The inherent value of a population health perspective is that it facilitates integration of knowledge across the many factors that influence health and health outcomes.” (1). “The CDC, which has a Division of Population Health, is far wordier and gives more of a functional definition. Population health is interdisciplinary, according to the CDC website, and an approach that uses “nontraditional partnerships” among different sectors of the community — public health, industry, academia, healthcare, local government entities — to achieve positive health outcomes.” (2) We see more content being added today to Case Manager Certification education curriculums on this interesting and important practice topic.

William Edwards Deming was a scientist and engineer and is best known for his principles of productivity; his approaches are often modeled by organizations looking to boost efficiency and quality while lowering costs. Deming’s involvement was a key component of Japan’s recovery after WWII; he also brought his unique take on the tie between quality and productivity to corporations in the US, including the Ford Motor company. This attention to quality helped Japan rebound after WWII and become a booming economy just a decade later; it also helped Ford and other US car makers understand why Japanese motors were outperforming homegrown products year after year. Applying these same principles to population health can help improve outcomes and as a natural byproduct of that improved care, reduce costs as well.

The Deming Philosophy and Healthcare

The Deming philosophy or approach at its most basic states that when an organization focuses on improving quality, costs will naturally fall over time. Case managers work with this philosophy everyday and are at the forefront of guiding quality, cost-effective care. Conversely, an organization that is focused on costs will find their quality dwindling over time. This philosophy can be applied to a variety of industries – including healthcare. When we focus on improving care and outcomes, we can expect costs to drop; focus too much on costs and the quality of care can easily slip. Case managers know this well and serve as educators today to teach this to others on the health care team.

Applying Deming Principles to Healthcare

Managed Care = Managed Processes

The concept of managed care is less about planning the daily work of individual providers and more about the way that the entire process works. The broad approach that is taken to care will have a larger impact on the health of specific populations; engaging and including physicians and providers in the planning process is a must. These providers are the clinicians dealing with clients on a regular basis, and their insight could hold the key to improved overall process and better levels of care.

Engaging Physicians in the Process of Care

Including working physicians in the conversation will greatly improve both the approach to care and the outcomes. Doctors, nurses certified case managers and other providers are working “in the trenches” daily and already have the skills and knowledge to predict what methods will work and what will not. Incorporating frontline care providers in conversations about population health is a must if we are going to properly serve that population and understand what will work (and what won’t).

Accurate and Timely Data is a Must

“In God we trust…and all others must bring data.”
William Edwards Deming

This Deming quote is at the heart of why data is so important. If we can’t measure population health data, there is no way to tell if measures are resulting in improved outcomes, worsened outcomes or having no impact at all. The ability to measure and compare data from a specified population is a must; without accurate data and the ability to analyze it, there is no way to determine if measures designed to improve care have any actual impact at all.

The quality-based approach outlined by Deming offers many advantages and possibilities for population health and for healthcare in general. For true gains to be made, the right data must be collected and accessible, front-line caregivers need to be involved in the planning process, and a broad approach to care for a specific population needs to be implemented. We need to continue to provide continuing education for our case managers and others on the health care team in the quality improvement process, including the use of quality improvement tools, data collection and appropriate interpretation of data.

Some reasons we should care about population health include; 1) it is people focused, 2) it seeks to improve the health of our society, 3) it helps to reduce costs as society becomes healthier, 4) it promotes medical science to deliver better care, 5) it leads to the ability to provide better access to care, and 6) it promotes better patient engagement (3). As such it fits very well into the role of todays certified case manager. It would be most advantageous if we provide our case managers more continuing education and opportunities to become involved in this area of practice. Becoming more intimately involved in population health will assist case management profession in its ultimate growth and expansion of specialized professional practice.

Are you a licensed health care professional who is interested in becoming a Certified Case Manager? If so, you may want to preview information on our Certification and Fellowship program at the American Academy of Case Management. You may access information here.

References:

David A. Kingdig (Ed.) What is Population Health? Improving Population Health: Policy, Practice, Research. University of Wisconsin. Population Health Sciences.
Karen Appold. Confused About Population Health? You’ve Come to the Right Place. Managed Healthcare Executive. Vol. 30, Issue 10. October 2020.
Christina Rosario. Why is Population Health Important? Advanced Data Systems Corporation. July 8, 2020.

Employee Retention Strategies For The Healthcare Industry

Posted on November 30, 2021 by Joseph Gerard

Written By Lucy Peters

In the current labor market, employee retention is more important than ever. Some are describing the current period as ” the great resignation.” With the impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic causing many to reassess their employment and change jobs, this is doubly true in the healthcare industry, which was of course the industry most involved with dealing with the pandemic. Employers are looking for effective strategies to increase employee well-being and therefore retention, which will reduce turnover and costs associated with hiring new employees.

Why Do Employees Leave?

To come up with useful employee retention strategies, it is first important to understand why employees leave their positions. Once we understand this, we can attempt to mitigate these circumstances as much as possible. The two biggest quoted reasons are usually salary and benefits or feeling overworked. In the healthcare industry, the second option here is usually key. In fact, even pre-pandemic, the turnover rates of US hospitals were seeing a small but steady climb, reaching 19.5% in 2020. Replacing employees is expensive and time-consuming, which is why employee retention planning is also a budgetary issue. One sensible idea is to implement an exit interview or survey when an employee moves on, in which you ask them to outline exactly why they are leaving. This data will help you more effectively design your benefits and retain future employees.

Retaining employees is critical to building strong teams and nurturing talents. The key to employee retention is keeping employees both happy and motivated. This can be a particular struggle within healthcare, an industry where long hours and a high-stress environment is commonplace. All is not lost though, as there are still effective ways to increase happiness and motivation in any work environment, and they might just be the key to reducing your turnover rates.

Review Salaries And Provide Better Work Arrangements

The first thing that should be assessed is the salaries offered. Are they lower than the industry average? Remember, lower salaries may seem like a smart financial decision but can incur “hidden” costs if they are contributing to a high turnover rate, as money is spent on replacing and onboarding new employees. These days, employees are also seeking more flexible working arrangements, and this should be implemented wherever possible.

Make Employees Feel Valued

The next step is to ensure employees feel rewarded outside of salary. Some of the most effective ways to reward employees don’t have to cost the earth, and although salary should be considered here, smaller gestures can go a long way in making an employee feel valued – rewarding employees on a budget is perfectly possible. One idea you could implement is to start weekly or monthly lunches to build morale and foster teamwork. Also, ensure hard work is recognized – for example, the gesture of sending a card can go a long way and lets employees know their work is being noticed.

Offering wellness perks such as discounted gym memberships or free classes are also a great idea, as employees that are fit and healthy are much more likely to be happy. Regular surveys where employees can express their concerns or ideas is a great option – as long as you then act on these. Not only will this increase workplace morale but it also gives your employees the chance to change their working environment for the better, empowering them to do better work.

Employee retention can be a particular struggle within the healthcare industry, which has such a high turnover rate. However, there are some important strategies that can be implemented to help mitigate this. Offering perks to increase employee happiness will go a long way, but overall, the most important thing is understanding why employees leave. The use of employee surveys will help you optimise your strategy and create a working environment that they want to be in.

Please also review AIHCP’s Healthcare Manager Program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals. The program in online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a Healthcare Manager Program